New Year's Eve Celebration

A much-loved custom is returning to Hoen-ji this year: New Year's Eve ceremony and celebration! For the past four years, New Year's Eve has been held at DBZ, but since the monastery is closed this winter, we will be able to enjoy our traditional gathering here. RSVPs are required by midnight on 12/30; please click here to RSVP.

The evening starts informally from 8:30 pm in the Forman House Dharma Hall, with an individual purification ceremony: on a piece of paper each of us lists all the patterns of negative and harmful behaviors we would like to relinquish. Then, chanting the Verse of Purification (posted over the fireplace), we consign our lists into the fire. Formal zazen and walking periods will begin in the zendo from 9 on. You may arrive any time until 10 pm. Roshi will give a talk at 10:15.

Chanting 108 times Kanzeon (the 10-phrase Prolonging Life Sutra invoking Kanzeon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion) begins at 11. Each of us will take turns striking the big gong and making a silent vow. We'll then gather in the Forman House for refreshments, including Doshin's famous soba noodles in dashi (seaweed/shitaki mushrooms/soy sauce broth), conversation by the fire, and dancing from midnight until...

We really look forward to everyone's participation. Family and friends are welcome. Please bring vegetarian snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to share.